Corporal John Demag suffered several injuries in a battle in France in 1918

Two children of John Demag, a World War I veteran who suffered combat wounds during fighting in Europe in 1918, received their late father’s Purple Heart Wednesday in a ceremony at the Vermont Statehouse. "I just wish he was here to see it," remarked daughter Flora Bovat of Burlington.

Corporal John Demag of Essex, Vermont was born in 1893 and enlisted in the Army in 1918. He was fighting in France when the Vermont National Guard said he was wounded in action in August of that year. After healing in a military hospital, Demag returned home to Vermont. "He was a great dad and a great soldier," Bovat said.

After his injuries, Demag was awarded a badge known as the Wound Chevron, Maj. Gen. Steven Cray, the commander of the Vermont National Guard, said. The Wound Chevron was a sort of predecessor to the Purple Heart, but Demag never exchanged his for the newer honor.

Corporal Demag’s son, Fred, said online research got the family thinking their dad was owed recognition. "My stepdaughter loves that Internet," said Fred Demag of Milton.

The Demags turned to the office of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and the Vermont National Guard for help. "I want to thank you for everything you put together for me," Demag told representatives of both Sen. Sanders and the Vermont Guard.

Maj. Gen. Cray could not say how many World War I veterans may have been eligible for Purple Hearts but never received them. He told New England Cable News he suspects there are others out there. "I advocate for veterans in the state of Vermont for my job; that they get those benefits they've earned-- whether it's health benefits or whatever, and this is just a part of that," Cray said.

"Every day, every day should be a day where we thank veterans," added Lt. Gov. Phil Scott, R-Vt., who attended the ceremony. "It's never too late, and we can never say it enough."

Corporal Demag died in the 1950s, after building a successful heavy equipment business back home in Vermont. His son said he never talked much about his time in World War I. "He wouldn't want to be in the limelight for it," Fred Demag said.

But his children will be talking about this day, and how proud they are of their father's service.

SEVERAL DECADES AFTER A VERMONT SOLDIER BECAME ELIGIBLE FOR IT. JACK THURSTON TELLS US THAT A WORLD WAR ONE VETERAN -- IS FINALLY IN THE SPOTLIGHT. JACK THURSTON: 41:16: long time coming huh? FLORA BOVAT: Yes it is.) Flora Bovat will treasure this Purple Heart. Awarded posthumously to her father -- almost a full century after he suffered combat wounds. Army Corporal John Demag of Essex Vermont fought in World War I -- in France. Where in 1918 he was shot in the belly and leg -- also injuring his head. At the time, he was awarded a badge known as the Wound Chevron -- a sort of predecessor to the Purple Heart. But Demag never exchanged his for this newer honor. It was that online research -- Corporal Demag's son Fred tells us -- that got the family thinking their dad was owed recognition. The Demags turned to the office of Senator Bernie Sanders and the Vermont National Guard for help. Corporal Demag died in the 1950s -- after building a successful heavy equipment business back home in Vermont. His son -- said he never talked much about his time in World War I. But his children will be talking about this day -- and how proud they are of their father's service. In Montpelier, Jack Thurston, WPTZ NC 5. THE NEWS CONTINUES WITH